There are certain words in the fashion lexicon that send out a warning light to discerning followers. Words like knickerbockers, pantaloons or flouncy frocks for starters or what about bellbottoms, dirndl or poncho for dessert. They can all conjure up unsightly images of naff dressing. Boho-geek rather than chic comes to mind.

This season it was the turn of the rather over the top, social climbing Frill to make a comeback on the scene. It splashed onto the summer stage with all the enthusiasm of an uninhibited prom queen. Instead of making a ripple it created a tidal wave of cloned styles that started with subtle and ended with totally excessive.

However the frivolous frill if worn with restraint can be worn without apologising to your guests. In fact there are a few styles around that will have you frilled to bits and even enjoying the frill of it all. You can ruffle a few feathers with fun looks from Miss Selfridge, Penneys, and Riverisland. Multiple frills may suit the younger teenager but can look too fussy for the more sophisticated shopper. Many of the designer dresses have one definite frill running like a scalloped dorsal fin down the side – more shark than starfish. It cuts a dash through the shoals of flounces by having an edge all of its own.